The Truth About Clear Vanilla

Clear vanilla can be useful when a baker wants bright white frosting, white wedding cake, or icing colors that stay true.

But clear vanilla is not the same as pure vanilla extract.

Real vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans, and vanilla beans naturally give extract an amber to brown color. That color is not a flaw — it is one of the signs that real vanilla beans were used.

If a vanilla product is perfectly clear, read the label carefully. It is usually labeled as imitation vanilla, artificial vanilla flavor, or clear vanilla flavor. It may taste vanilla-like, but it does not have the same natural depth and complexity as real vanilla extract made from vanilla beans.

Clear vanilla has a purpose: keeping frostings and icings white.

Pure vanilla extract has a different purpose: giving recipes real vanilla flavor, aroma, warmth, and depth.

So when color matters most, clear vanilla may be useful.

But when flavor matters most, choose real vanilla extract.

GourmetVanillaSpice.com